Check out these amazing van dwelling women

It seems like more and more women are taking the leap and van dwelling alone. Many are discouraged and warned time and time again that the van life is too dangerous for a single female.

So, I wanted to find several women who are living out of a van alone to see how they do it, why they do it, and whether they’d recommend van living to other women.

Overall, I found all their stories very inspirational. These are brave, no-nonsense, intrepid adventurers! Love it.

Jessica Ward, lived in a cargo van camper solo for 2 years

C: Jess Ward

What was the biggest challenge about van dwelling alone?

My most pervasive challenge was loneliness. To unplug from society’s mold of what a normal day should look like, or a normal dwelling, begins to stir up some deep philosophical questions in your mind. It’s totally uncharted territory. How do you feel when everyone else around you is living a different way? What significance about myself do I draw from this?

You’re also secluded in the physical sense, because you aren’t occupying the same spatial orientation as the majority.

You move on a daily basis; they don’t. Your house is on wheels; theirs has a wooden frame and an address. Even when these two structures are mere feet from each other, there’s still a sensation of being the odd duck out.

I label it loneliness but in hindsight, it might be something akin to psychological discomfort, sprung from our natural yearning to be understood and accepted within our society. You completely lose that anchor as a van dweller.

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How do you maintain a level of safety with van living?

In the planning stages of my journey, I had several panic attacks when thinking about van dwelling full time. It occurred to me early on that my idea of safety was directly tied to structure and form. I felt safe within the walls of my brick-and-mortar condo. Like, this fabricated box was the lone condition of my foundation of personal security. That blew my mind! I knew I had to shift that perspective, and I did.

Safety, for me, became a daily practice of trusting the world and my intuition. I adopted a state of mind that I was inherently safe. If anything felt fishy about a place, I simply moved on. It didn’t matter whether I got that fishy feeling at 3am or not. I owed it to myself to be 100% comfortable with where I was at all times. That tactic served me so well because I had no issues during my time living in a cargo van camper.

You can learn simple skills easily before you embark on your van life trip. Knowing how to change a tire, basic first aid, or even practicing your fight/flight plan in your mind (in case someone tries to break into your van) goes a long way to ease any qualms. Do whatever you need to do to get into the mental arena of inherent safety.

Most every night I parked under a street lamp at the local Walmart. I found that hiding in plain sight brought me a lot of comfort, especially since there were other people in the parking lot at all hours of the night.

The one time I did park out in the forest all by myself, I didn’t sleep well because I was too creeped out!

What do you think when people say van dwelling is unsafe for a solo woman?

C: Jess Ward

I think that those who say that are simply projecting their own fears. By that logic, the mere act of living is unsafe. You could die tomorrow from a mosquito bite or a walk across the street. Risk is inherent to life.

The thought that women should be cloistered away from the world in order to keep them safe is rather archaic. As women, we are so deliciously sensitive to how we feel–it’s one of our gifts. That’s why I think, as a solo female van dweller, relying on your intuition is exactly what will keep you far away from any potential danger.

[clickToTweet tweet=”‘As a solo female van dweller, relying on your intuition is exactly what will keep you far away from any potential danger.’ #vanlife” quote=”‘As a solo female van dweller, relying on your intuition is exactly what will keep you far away from any potential danger.'”]

What have you learned from living out of a van?

I learned that true freedom is slightly uncomfortable, because the minute you have it, you might feel lonely. The fringe is an incredible, expansive place. It feels like growth and looks like solitude.

[clickToTweet tweet=”‘The fringe is an incredible place. It feels like growth and looks like solitude.’ #vanlife #camper” quote=”‘The fringe is an incredible, expansive place. It feels like growth and looks like solitude.'”]

I learned how Western society keeps a tight hold on social norms in order to dissuade anyone who might want to venture to the fringe. But there are workarounds for the rules. We are slowly opening our minds to alternative ways of living.

I learned that when you have a dream, you just have to go for it. Don’t let anyone talk you out of it, even yourself in a fearful state. No matter how wacky or silly or ridiculous your dream might appear to others, your dream came forth to move you forward as a person. It’s your opportunity for evolution. Head for the fringe if it calls you. I’ll see you there.

Sarah Taggart, van dwelling in Ford Transit Connect camper

C: Sarah Taggart

Why did you decide to live in a Ford Transit Connect camper van?

I am a traveling Occupational Therapist. This means that typically every 13 weeks I move to a new location for work. The first 2 years of traveling I stayed in short-term temporary housing which can cost anywhere from $1500-2800 a month, thus I really wasn’t making much money. Besides the expense of short-term housing, I loathed moving every 3 months.

I started to brainstorm ideas to save money and make moving around a little easier. At the time I was a driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee and was planning on saving money to purchase a travel trailer. As I seriously started to research travel trailers, I discovered they were a bit out of my price range. After researching a few different options I ended at converting a Ford Transit Connect van.

So one day I sold my Jeep, bought a 2010 Ford Transit Connect and converted it into a camper.

I had a “WTF did I just do moment,” for sure, but it’s been a year now and I haven’t looked back!

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What are your biggest obstacles to van living?

C: Sarah Taggart

The two largest obstacles for me van dwelling have been the winter and illness. I have been sick twice since going full-time, but every time it tends to be overwhelming. The truth is, it’s very difficult to deal with not being well and not having the convenience of indoor plumbing. The two times that I was very ill I just opted to get a hotel room for the night, and it was worth every penny.

Another big obstacle was winter in Alaska. I had plans of staying in mild climate throughout the year, but due to some life circumstances, I found myself in Alaska for the winter.

I tried to make living in a van work but once temperatures started to drop below 20 degrees every night my little heater and sleeping bag was not cutting it. It always was extremely difficult to get up and get ready for work when it was that cold. I ended up renting a room from a friend for the coldest months. My plan going forward is to stay in more mild climates, hopefully. One of the biggest lessons I learned is to not push my limits.

What do you tell people when they make comments about how van dwelling isn’t safe for women?

C: Sarah Taggart

There are definitely some people who are not thrilled about the idea of a woman living alone in a van. If someone approaches me about this, I typically tell them the ways I stay safe. I don’t sleep in spots that feel unsafe, I trust my instincts, I have some protection (bear spray and a taser), and I also am not afraid. I have strong feelings about me being more unsafe than a single traveling male.

[clickToTweet tweet=”‘I don’t sleep in spots that feel unsafe, I trust my instincts, I have some protection’ #vanlife” quote=”I don’t sleep in spots that feel unsafe, I trust my instincts, I have some protection”]

I am also not naive, I understand anything can happen to anyone no matter how prepared you think you are. However, I do have to say that I have found most people to be incredibly supportive of my lifestyle. I do get the occasionally “be safe” but most of the comments are similar to, “ wow that’s awesome!”

What would you say to other women wanting to live in a camper van?

I’d say if you’re serious about van dwelling, do it! However, there are some things you should know. If you have a very minimal van like mine, you must be okay with not having certain conveniences. For example, I have no water tank, I complete most basic grooming activities outside or in a public restroom. I have to plan things like showers and laundry. It’s definitely not a convenient lifestyle but I think the freedom is well worth it!

If you decide not to embark on a similar lifestyle do not let the reason be that you are a female. You can live any lifestyle you want, and don’t let anyone else’s opinion deter you.

What are your favorite places you’ve been while living in a van?

C: Sarah Taggart

I really fell in love with Alaska, it’s a whole different world. In what other place can you see the northern lights, abundant wildlife, the largest mountain range in North America, and much more? I am very happy I stayed in Alaska for almost a year and experienced all four seasons. The drive to Alaska is also one of the best road trips I have ever been on. If you ever get the chance to drive to Alaska, please do!

What are your long-term plans when it comes to van living?

C: Sarah Taggert

I am currently working in Colorado and hoping to make some changes to the buildout of the camper van. Essentially right now it is a platform bed with storage. My goal is to make the van more modular. I’m hoping to make a pull-out kitchen as well as a bed that can also be folded into a couch. I plan to continue traveling for at least the next 2 years and then reevaluate then.

Jennifer Vegvari, living in Jeep Cherokee

C: Jennifer Vegvari

What made you decide to live in a Jeep Cherokee?

My mom bought this Jeep brand new in 1989 and it was hands down her favorite vehicle. She was the only owner and took really good care of it. She passed away suddenly late October 2014 and I asked my dad if I could take the Jeep as it was a second car for him and he said yes. I decided to live in it on a bit of a whim.

I’d been doing research on van dwelling and realized people lived in all sorts of vehicles. I decided that I’d never done something this outrageous before. The official sign came from my landlord at the time. She sensed I wasn’t happy in the rental I was occupying and she let me know that she’d let me out of my lease, no hard feelings, and that’s when I decided that I’d live in the Jeep starting June 1st, 2016.

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What is your routine like when living in your vehicle?

C: Jennifer Vegvari

I have a corporate office job outside of Los Angeles, so during the week, I sleep in my car in the parking lot at work. I’ve made friends with the security and my colleagues know about my lifestyle. Some say it’s a mistake to tell people, and they may be right, but that’s just not how I operate. So I told everyone and their mom my plans.

I have a favorite spot in the lot that gets shade all day and when I’m ready for bed, I’ll park there, head inside to shower and change into PJs and watch some Netflix on my Kindle until it’s bedtime. I set my alarm for 530am, I like to be up and out of the jeep when other employees start showing up. We share the lot and building with other businesses.

On weekends and trips where I work remote (my job is incredibly flexible) I hotspot with my work cell phone and have internet. I don’t make a lot of money but the perks of my job (shower, 24/7 building access, company phone, laptop, gym, etc) mean more to me than money when I’m living in the jeep. I realize I’m incredibly fortunate to have the routine I do.

Where else have you parked overnight in Los Angeles?

C: Jennifer Vegvari

In the beginning, there was a spot along Mullholland highway overlooking a state park about 7 minutes from my work. The sunsets and sunrises were glorious. I still park there on occasion but I don’t want to draw too much attention to myself and realized parking at work when I can is the safest bet for me.

I’ve parked in Santa Monica in residential neighborhoods (getting there after 10PM, leaving by 530AM), along PCH, on land that belongs to friends in Topanga. I’m a bit of a creature of habit though, so I’ve been parking at work during the week for the last month or so consistently.

What are your long-term plans when it comes to van dwelling?

C: Jennifer Vegvari

My long-term plans are a converted camper van. I have a cat, Barney. He’s currently being fostered by a coworker and once I get a bigger vehicle (with better climate control), he will join me and be my adventure buddy. I honestly don’t see myself ever living in a “sticks and brick” again, but if I do I have a hunch it will be temporary, or a really awesome dwelling like a tiny house or a shipping container.

[clickToTweet tweet=”‘I honestly don’t see myself ever living in a ‘sticks and brick’ again.’ – #vanlife dweller ” quote=”‘I honestly don’t see myself ever living in a ‘sticks and brick’ again.’ “]

After my mom died, it sort of just all came together as a grieved: I don’t want the things I was told to want my whole life. I decided I don’t want to have children, I don’t want to climb the corporate ladder and buy a house and live my life slaving away hoping to live long enough to retire and enjoy my efforts. My mom was 58 when she died. I refuse to work hard my whole life to risk dying before I can truly enjoy my life via retirement. I tell people I’m living the retired life now, as much as I can anyway. My mom’s favorite saying was “Life isn’t a dress rehearsal” and that’s sort of my mantra now.

What is your advice to others about van dwelling full time?

I am absolutely loving it. The first month was hard. The month leading up to it was hard. Every single morning before I left my apartment for the month of May my first thought would be “Oh my God, I can’t live in my car, I’m just going to find a new place to live that’s cheaper” and I just pushed through those thoughts.

I moved out of my apartment alone (making 3 trips to my cheap storage unit), panic attack level anxiety brimming just below the surface ready to spill over. I spent more nights than I care to admit in a Motel 6 that first month, but now I can’t even remember why I was feeling so anxious. I am absolutely happier. The advice is I have is that this is a drastic change from what people know and go their entire lives trying to achieve.

It will be HARD, you will get scared and want to back out. You will not feel happy all the time while you’re doing this, but I promise it’s worth it. The anxiety will settle, you will find a routine, and all the reasons that drew you into this lifestyle will become real.

About Kristin Hanes

Kristin Hanes is a journalist and writer who lives on a sailboat and in a Chevy Astro van in San Francisco. She worked in radio news for 15 years before a massive layoff in 2016. Kristin has written articles about alternative living published in Good Housekeeping, Business Insider, Marie Claire, SF Gate and The Bold Italic, among others.

Comments

I am not surprised by the way women are treated when they make an alternative lifestyle choice. It is a major threat to the status quo. Of course bad things will happen because you aren’t staying between the lines. I have led an alternative life by design, tents, boats, vans ,trailers. Years ago, no women. Now, gutsy, independent, bold women are demanding that taste of freedom. Welcome, it’s about damn time!

Thank you so much for this article! After years of dreaming, planning and saving, I’m going to start truck dwelling full time in June–with the goal of visiting Alaska. My soul has been pulling me away from what I believe to be the inherently meaningless conventions of modern society for a long time now, but the fear, anxiety and doubt has started creeping up. The women featured in this article said a lot of things I really needed to hear. <3

I am so happy this article inspired and spoke to you! I think its so cool seeing women doing adventurous stuff solo. Good luck on your journey! Do you have a website or Instagram where you’ll be writing about your journey? I’d love to follow along!

Hey Kristin, thanks for your interest! I don’t have a dedicated blog or Instagram at this time. I’ve been seriously considering it though. If I do, I’ll come back and share the link! Thanks again for your awesome blog!

Yes! Or email me kristin@thewaywardhome.com once you start traveling and if you’re up for it, we could tell your story on here! The more people who read about others doing this sort of thing, the more inspiring it is. Have fun!

Thanks for saying a little something about the solo female traveler. Nothing is gained when you let fear dominate your existence. Leeza D. Solo Female who converted a van to camper. I’m at Itsmyrvlife.com

I and my wife are up in age and we upgraded to a more convient unit. I placed our old VW van ot the end of our driveway with a for sale sign on it. I am amazed at how many young women are interested in it. They all say that it is just the right size for them.. Easy to drive and park, as well as easy to set up. Good to see that they are enjoying life. Chuck L.

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[…] Vandwellers are perhaps the most space-starved of all tiny livers. For that reason alone, many may scoff at the suggestion of using a small wood-burning stove in their van, but if you haven’t already written off the idea, it might be worth your consideration. […]

Hi, I'm Kristin Hanes! I live in a sailboat and in a van, and am editor-in-chief of The Wayward Home, a site all about a new type of American Dream. Stick around to learn about campervans, RV living, sailboats and tiny homes. Head to my About Me page to learn more.

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